Dad left in shock by staggering cost of Disney trip

Dad left in shock by staggering cost of Disney trip

Original story date: May 10^th, 2025

Lesson Summary: The Price of Magic

This lesson explores the often-shocking cost of a family trip to Disney World, as highlighted in a viral video by a Florida father, Craig Stowell. Students will watch a news segment discussing his experience, where he details expenses for parking, tickets, and food, amounting to nearly $1,400 for a single day for his family of five. The lesson delves into vocabulary related to expenses and reactions, and comprehension is tested through true/false and multiple-choice questions based on the video content.

Discussions will encourage students to consider the value of such experiences versus their cost, the pressures on families, and the business side of theme parks. A role-play activity will have students debate budgeting for a "dream vacation," and an independent writing task will ask them to argue whether such expensive attractions are truly worth it, or if simpler pleasures offer better value.

Watch the video (at the end of this page) for a general understanding of the content.

Vocabulary: Match these words from the video to their definitions.

Watch the video again listening for specific details.

True / False: Decide if these statements are true or false based on the video.

Multiple Choice: Read each question carefully and choose the correct answer.

Discussion Questions: Disney Trip Costs

• Have you ever been to a theme park like Disney? What was it like?
• Would you like to go to Disney or a theme park someday? Why or why not?
• Do you think $1,400 is a fair price for one day at Disney for a family of five? Why or why not?
• Kendall said her favorite part was waiting in line with her family. What does this show about what's really important during trips?
• The dad didn’t buy “Lightning Passes” because they were too expensive. Do you think it's fair to charge extra to skip lines?
• Why do you think places like Disney cost so much? What adds to the price?
• The dad said he felt “punished” for visiting just one day. Do theme parks want people to stay longer and spend more? How?
• Have you ever been surprised by how expensive something was? What happened?
• What are some fun, low-cost things families can do together?
• If you planned your dream family vacation, would you care more about the place, the fun things to do, or the cost?

Role-Play Activity: The "Dream Vacation" Budget Meeting

In this role-play, one student is a parent who really wants to take the family to a famous (but expensive) theme park like Disney World. They believe it will be a magical experience. The other student is a parent who worries about the high cost and wants to choose a cheaper family vacation.

Together, they should talk about:

• Why the expensive trip might be worth it
• How much money the trip would cost and if it’s too much
• Other fun vacation ideas that cost less
• How they can agree or make a decision

Try to give clear reasons and listen to each other. Will they find a compromise — or not?

Independent Writing Task: Is the "Magic" Worth the Money?

After watching the video, write a persuasive paragraph explaining whether or not you think very expensive attractions like Disney World are truly worth the cost for most families. Consider the price, what kind of fun or memories families can have there, and whether similar happiness or bonding could happen through cheaper activities. Use reasons and examples from the video or your own experiences to support your opinion.

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